Expanding on structural steel

The effects of corrosion on metal building components range from aesthetically undesirable appearances to hazardous structural conditions. This is particularly the case for masonry buildings constructed in the early 1900s, where unprotected structural steel is often in contact with exterior wall construction.
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What were they thinking?

On a building constructed in 1929 with exterior loadbearing masonry walls, modifications were made to loadbearing masonry demising walls during past renovation efforts. A recent investigation has revealed these modifications present a serious structural stability problem for the building.
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Constraints with site planting

Site planting is an important part of most construction projects. When done correctly, planting can add the final touch to a project. Plants may be valued for their aesthetics, but they are living things, and have specific requirements, including nutrition, water, and sun. Failure to meet these basic requirements...
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Two domes of a different color

Two nearly identical domes constructed in different climate zones provide an opportunity to evaluate the ways in which environment and weather affect service life and performance of construction materials. One of the domes is located in the Southeast, in a hot, humid climate, and the other is located in...
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Creating smart cities: A CSI exclusive

When building smart cities, the specifications are of paramount importance. In effect they become a form of governance for the whole project, specifying outcomes suitable not only for a building, but also as life-cycle work for the whole city as a system.
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Sequence of work

While determining the sequence of tasks is the responsibility of the general (or sub) contractor, the designer should consider where guidance is needed to highlight important sequencing issues.
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Specifying offsite construction: A CSI exclusive

Offsite construction is part of a gradual move toward a more manufacturing-based process in the construction industry. It allows significant amounts of building construction to be performed in a controlled environment, and depending on project needs, on a near assembly-line basis. This is beneficial for worker safety and project...
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CSI offers early registration for fall exams

Early registration for CSI’s fall certification exam cycle, which includes Construction Documents Technologist, Certified Construction Contract Administrator, Certified Construction Product Representative, and Certified Construction Specifier examinations, will start on June 26.
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